Time Period 800-1600

No tangible remnants of these buildings survive, although their form is known from archaeological excavations.

The carved wooden panels from Bjarnastaðahlíð probably came from an early cathedral at Hólar in the northern diocese. The cathedrals at Hólar and Skálholt in the south were Iceland’s largest buildings. Both were stave structures; this is shown in the model of a medieval cathedral. The bishoprics also boasted many other fine buildings, whether constructed of timber alone or with an exterior covering of turf. Stone was not generally used for construction until the 18th century, although some attempts were made over the centuries. No stone building is known to have been completed in the middle ages.

Iceland’s monasteries and convents were probably similar in structure to chieftains’ homes, while the layout of the buildings must have conformed with the rules of the Benedictine and Augustinian orders, the two religious orders which functioned in Iceland. The church was the heart of the religious houses, where monks or nuns were at worship almost around the clock. The carved panel from Munkaþverá may be from the last monastery there.

On wealthy church estates large and splendid churches were built. From a few such churches, fragments of richly-decorated door furnishings have survived.

Shortly after the settlement, the Icelanders began to adapt their homes to local conditions, and also took account of developments abroad, especially at the Norwegian court, where many Icelanders visited.

The longhouse was replaced by a cluster of buildings such as a pantry, parlour and bathhouse. The parlour was the reception room of the house. Originally the seats of the master of the house and honoured guests were at the middle of a long table, but during the middle ages table-arrangements were influenced by foreign customs.